Ashley Webb, one of eight Democrats seeking the party’s nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in Maine, faced criticism from conservative commentators and social media users following a debate appearance as candidates compete to replace Graham Platner, who withdrew from the race after allegations of sexual misconduct.
Webb, a “trans” songwriter and author, participated in the second portion of a Democratic forum held Thursday night featuring lesser-known candidates seeking support from the party’s 601 delegates.
During the debate, Webb was asked what qualified him to serve in the U.S. Senate.
What came next was an answer no one expected.
“I’ve ran for office several times, didn’t win, but did run,” he said. “And then I’m a songwriter, and then I write my own books.”
Webb also said he valued transparency and would not “lie to the people” if elected.
Clips from the debate spread widely online, drawing criticism from conservative commentators who questioned Webb’s response about qualifications.
One video that circulated showed Webb mistakenly using the phrase “pork bellying” instead of “pork barreling,” a term referring to government spending directed toward local projects or interests.
Webb also discussed several policy positions during the forum, including immigration enforcement, healthcare, and foreign policy.
Webb criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and said the agency should face accountability over enforcement actions, according to The Post Millennial.
Webb also spoke about concerns affecting the “trans” community, saying he did not want to harm anyone and expressing concerns about access to public facilities.
The debate featured eight Democratic candidates attempting to secure the nomination after Platner exited the race.
The first portion included more established Maine political figures, including Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, and former congressional candidate Jordan Wood.
The second portion featured Webb, David Costello, Dan Kleban, and Elizabeth Dickerson. The eventual Democratic nominee will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the general election.
Collins has held the seat since 1997 and is seeking another term.
Webb’s campaign describes the candidate as an openly “trans” and “intersex woman” who is running on a platform focused on transparency, healthcare reform, and representing voters who feel overlooked by government institutions.
Webb has said the campaign, titled “Ashley Webb: Take No Prisoners,” is independently operated and that they serve as both candidate and campaign treasurer to promote accountability.
The scrutiny surrounding Webb comes as Democrats work to replace Platner after he ended his Senate bid.
Platner’s withdrawal prompted the party to organize a process to select a new nominee. Candidates participating in the debate sought to distinguish themselves as they compete for delegate support ahead of the nomination decision.
With the Democratic nomination still undecided, Webb’s viral debate moments have added another layer of attention to a race already reshaped by Platner’s withdrawal.
The coming weeks will determine whether Webb’s campaign message resonates with the party’s delegates or whether another candidate’s background and experience prove more appealing in the race to challenge Collins.
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